Live Stage

The USO consists of carefully selected musicians who create that crucial balance of looking and sounding great, whether as a string ensemble, string orchestra, or backing group.

Urban Soul Orchestra On Stage & On Tour

The Urban Soul Orchestra has worked as the backing orchestra for live gigs, festival performances, stage shows and tours for many high-profile artists including; Bashy, Cast, China Black, Gabrielle, Il Divo, Keane, M-People, Nitin Sawhney, Reel People, Sonique, and at the BBC Proms and BBC Electric Proms. USO are also proud to be part of the Black Police Association’s Annual ‘Celebration of Life’ Concerts, featuring Omar, Don-E, Peter Hunningale, Alison Hines, Nate James and the London Community Gospel Choir.

Live Music for Live Events

We're not always at the back of the stage! Urban Soul Orchestra have provided string quartets, ensembles, a string orchestra and other band configurations, bringing our energy, vitality and groove for a wide variety of live events.

Recent projects include; The Greatest Fashion Show on Earth at Westfield; British Council shows in New Zealand in 2009 and 2010 including WOMAD; The Petersham Festival in Richmond; Small Green Shoots First Anniversary Party at Kings Place; Christmas Lights ceremony at Westminster Cathedral Piazza with Lemar and The London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) and Christmas concerts at Antwerp Cathedral & St Jan Cathedral in Den Bosch with the The LCGC. For photos of these projects and more see Live/Stage Gallery.

Professional Arranging and Conducting Services

Our Director Stephen Hussey is also available for string arrangements and conducting for orchestras and groups - see our Arrangements Page for more details.

Sample Reviews

No More Trouble sounded as though it would not have been out of place in a gritty 1940’s cop film before the 80 strong Voicelab choir sounded together at maximum volume; combined with the luscious string arrangements played by the Urban Soul Orchestra lead by violinist Stephen Hussey gave almost everyone in the audience goose pimples.

LondonJazz review of Catch A Fire as part of the Lively Up! Festival in London, October 25, 2012

What really lit up the night, though, were the solo, duo and section vignettes that allowed the various personalities room for manoeuvre. Duelling violins aerated Stir it Up brilliantly before the whole string section pizzicato-ed like dancing demons.